Innovativeness and management models in implementing and managing digital learning in Gauteng universities

Abstract

Prior research indicates that the use of organisational innovativeness and management models has primarily been observed in firms from developed countries. Research has revealed that this factor contributes to the effectiveness and competitiveness of a business. Preliminary investigations revealed that most organisations in developing nations, such as South Africa, do not adopt these tactics and initiatives. This necessitated the research, which was carried out at six universities in the Gauteng region. The problem that was identified was that these universities do not use organisational innovativeness strategies and management models when they are discharging their core functions, which are teaching and learning, as well as digital learning. The aim of this study is to determine if these universities do have organisational innovativeness strategies and if there are any management models that are being used to ensure that they are efficient and competitive. The researcher aims to ascertain whether these universities have established any indices to gauge their innovativeness. The study would culminate in the development of an innovation framework that these universities could use to measure their level of innovativeness. During preliminary inquiries, it was discovered that the notion of organisational innovativeness is not practiced in these six universities; some use it unintentionally. It is felt that more research should be done to identify whether these notions exist, and if not, they should be added alongside generic management models. It is expected that this will help these universities become more efficient, sustainable, and competitive, as has been demonstrated with organisations in developed countries. The research method that has been used is the quantitative research methodology for collecting and analysing data. Different theories have been used during the process of conducting this research. According to the findings of this study, it was established that, indeed, most of these universities do not have organisational innovative strategies and initiatives that they are using when it comes to digital learning, teaching, and research. Based on the findings, it is recommended that when these universities are developing their strategies, they can use any of the recommended organisational innovativeness initiatives and couple them with recommended generic management models as proposed by Birkinshaw (2017) to improve their efficiency and competitiveness as proposed by previous researchers in developed countries. It is also suggested that they employ the proposed innovation indices to assess their level of innovativeness. Lastly, it's crucial to align the university's overall strategies, innovation plans, digital learning strategies, and management models.